A Kenyan court has denied bail to a man accused of threatening a magistrate through SMS and WhatsApp messages. Francis Kamau Karanja, will remain in custody pending the hearing and determination of the case. According to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), senior resident magistrate Irene Thamara ruled that the prosecution had demonstrated compelling reasons to deny Karanja bail.
The prosecution told the court that the alleged threats had caused the magistrate to fear for her safety, forcing her to abandon her residence and stop using her personal vehicle. The court also heard that the magistrate occasionally visits her home due to security concerns. The DPP alleges that Karanja sent the threatening messages on September 28, 2026, at about 7 pm using his mobile phone to a number registered in the magistrate's name.
The messages, which were allegedly sent through both SMS and WhatsApp, are said to have contained words likely to cause apprehension or fear of violence. According to the prosecution, the messages accused the magistrate of being biased in a case involving one Gabriel Saka and warned her to be careful. The prosecution further alleged that Karanja told the magistrate that he knew where she lived, prompting concerns over her safety.
The magistrate subsequently reported the matter at Kibera police station, leading to Karanja's arrest and subsequent prosecution. Karanja denied the allegations. The prosecution relied on the alleged impact of the messages on the magistrate's security in opposing the accused's release on bond. It urged the court to consider the Judiciary Bail and Bond Policy Guidelines, particularly provisions on protecting victims.
The defence, however, asked the court to grant Karanja reasonable and lenient bail terms. Through his lawyer, he argued that he had been arrested and denied police bail without being informed of the reasons for his arrest. The court considered the circumstances presented by both parties and found that compelling reasons had been established to justify denying Karanja bond.
The allegations against Karanja have not been proved in court, and he remains presumed innocent until proven guilty. The case will be mentioned on October 14, 2026, for pre-trial directions. Karanja's lawyer had requested the court to grant him bail, but the court ruled that the prosecution had provided sufficient reasons to deny him bond.
The incident highlights the growing concern over threats against judicial officers in Kenya. The judiciary has been working to ensure the safety and security of its officers, but the issue remains a challenge. The DPP has stated that it will continue to work with the judiciary to ensure that those who threaten judicial officers are brought to justice.
Key points
- A Kenyan court has denied bail to Francis Kamau Karanja, who is accused of threatening a magistrate through SMS and WhatsApp messages.
- The prosecution opposed Karanja's release on bond, citing the impact of the messages on the magistrate's security.
- The case will be mentioned on October 14, 2026, for pre-trial directions.
